I'm sorry to hear about what you are going through. I know that you didn't get the answer you were looking for, but it sounds like your Doctor is right. You really need to see a Pulmonolgist. That is the person who will be able to help you get your asthma under control. Once your asthma is under control you won't need to feel so anxious because you will feel better.

I was very nervous the first time I saw a Pulmonologist. I was afraid they would tell me I was severely asthmatic and put me on all kinds of medicine. I am so glad I went. My asthma was not as bad as I thought it was, my anxiety was making it worse. I have been having checkups with my Pulmo every few months to check my progress and my dosages. I also have a respiratory specialist I can call anytime at the office if I have questions or need anything.

Don't be afraid of taking prednisone. If you really need it, it's necessary. Everyone is different, some people have no side effects at all. It just makes me hungry and a little wired. For me the side effects are nothing compared to not being able to breathe.

OMG! Am so sorry. I thought you were already seeing a pulmo or I would have suggested it in the beginning. That's exactly who you need to be seeing. They will get it all sorted out. Just have a quiet, restful weekend and be ready for Monday!

I know we're not supposed to sit here and journal but I have one more question. I lay around doing absolutely nothing today as per doctor's orders, and I only really got up to do a load of laundry (I had to or DH wouldn't have anything to wear for work this weekend) and to feed the cats. I was fine lying around or sitting at the computer, and I really felt like everyone was making a fuss about nothing, except that I didn't have enough air to eat and breathe at the same time. I didn't have any appetite today until I'd had my afternoon dose of ventolin. But when I got up I got really light-headed. DH says that's because I'm not eating enough, but I'm afraid it's lack of oxygen, because it went away after I had my evening inhaler (but before I ate).

I know this is a very tough wait for you. Please get yourself to emergency of you need to before your appointment. I know this weekend well be very long for you. You have a right to be concerned because breathing problems are a serious thing.

Thanks. I was having a lot of anxiety last night (I was more than a bit afraid to go to sleep for fear of what might happen), but once I finally relaxed, I slept like a log. Nighttime is actually a good time for me because I'm not exerting myself when I'm laying in bed. I still can't eat and talk at the same time, but I actually wanted some breakfast this morning. I know I'm improving, it's just painfully slow...